My twins recently celebrated their sixth birthday, and ever since they were born, I have thrown them a party each year. It’s the one occasion (besides Christmas) that they eagerly anticipate yearly. We start discussing their next birthday celebration the day after their previous one, and their excitement builds over every detail. We always stick to a budget; it’s not about the money spent (and honestly, it’s not much) — it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime, which is truly invaluable.
I don’t have many memories of my mother celebrating my birthdays, except for my twenty-fifth. That year, she brought her friends, who were all in recovery, and they showered me with love and my favorite ice cream cake. They sang “Happy Birthday” and made me feel valued, even if it was a bit awkward since they were my only friends that year. It was a memorable occasion!
As a parent, it’s essential for me to help my children create lasting memories, starting from the day they were born. We usually begin planning their birthday about a month in advance, and while my partner and I tend to be last-minute planners, everything always falls into place. If it’s not broken, why fix it?
This year, we asked our kids to each choose three friends to invite. They provided their lists, and we reached out to parents we hadn’t met before (thank you, COVID) and sent out Canva-designed invitations to their kindergarten classmates and neighbors.
The party took place at our favorite local beach, with a “beach party” theme. Hosting a party at home is fine until the cleanup afterward, which rivals any teenager’s wild party. We ordered pizza and cupcakes from my favorite bakery. Let’s be honest, if we’re spending money on a party, the food needs to be enjoyable for the planners too. I might have splurged a bit on the cupcakes, but honestly, that’s one of the perks of being the one who brought them into the world: enjoying a delicious treat like that.
Everyone had a fantastic time, including the parents. We got to socialize while the kids played and enjoyed being outdoors and soaking up the sun.
The truth is, birthday parties don’t have to be extravagant to be memorable. Their first birthday was a simple backyard gathering with pizza and ice cream cake shared with close family and friends. As they’ve grown, we do invest a bit more in their celebrations — this year, they received a Power Wheel to share — but the actual party was mostly free: a complimentary venue, pizza, cupcakes, and party favors from the Dollar Store.
Celebrating is inherently free; it’s our choices that determine if it becomes expensive. The beauty of a low-cost birthday party is the lack of pressure to achieve perfection. And everyone knows that a relaxed host leads to a better celebration.
Aside from my penchant for fancy cupcakes, our kids’ birthday parties are a time for us to reflect on another year together, healthy and happy. We celebrate this milestone because it deserves all the cake and pizza in the world. Create those memories, but remember not to break the bank doing it. If you’re interested in more insights, this is one of our other blog posts you might like.
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Summary
In this article, Jamie Carter shares her family’s tradition of celebrating classic birthday parties for her twins. Highlighting the importance of creating lasting memories without overspending, she reflects on how simple gatherings can be both enjoyable and meaningful. With a focus on budget-friendly options, she emphasizes that the true essence of celebration lies in the joy of being together, rather than extravagant expenses.
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